This blog was created to promote the historical importance of cemeteries, grave markers, and the family history to be learned from a study of burial customs, burying grounds, and tombstones of Central Florida.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Urban sprawl has a long history in Orlando

Even back in 1884, local residents felt the encroachment of development.

That's the year my Patrick and Ivey ancestors formed the Lake Hill Cemetery Association, and removed the bodies of loved ones buried in their old family plot to escape all the rampant land speculation that was going on in this little corner of heaven in anticipation of the arrival of the railroad.

The former burial ground was known locally as the Patrick Cemetery, and was located between Lake Lorna Doone and Rock Lake north of the modern Citrus Bowl.

If ye rabbits feel like hopping over the former site of this long-disappeared graveyard, take the Orange Blossom Trail to Washington Street, then head west between the shores of the two lakes.

You may not see any surviving grave markers, but if you time it just right you may be able to enjoy a sunset like this one over Lorna Doone.

The Graveyard Rabbit

by Frank Lebby Stanton

In the white moonlight, where the willow waves,He halfway gallops among the graves---A tiny ghost in the gloom and gleam,Content to dwell where the dead men dream,But wary still:For they plot him ill;For the graveyard rabbit hath a charm(May God defend us!) to shield from harm!

Over the shimmering slabs he goes---Every grave in the dark he knows;But his nest is hidden from human eyeWhere headstones broken on old graves lie.Wary still!For they plot him ill:For the graveyard rabbit, though skeptics scoff,Charmeth the witch and the wizard off!

The black man creeps, when the night is dim,Fearful, still, on the track of him;Or fleety follows the way he runs,For he heals the hurts of the conjured ones.Wary still!For they plot him ill;The soul's bewitched that would find release,To the graveyard rabbit go for peace!